I wonder if we would be surprised at the number of messages, both blatant and subtle that assail our brains every day.
From road-signs and billboards, to the television, to our ever-ready phones and social devices, and I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few.
These signs shape us and influence more than I would like to think.
In our North-American culture which has affected many parts of the world, beauty and youth is in. It is big business. My granddaughter told me seriously today that she hopes to be a princess when she grows up. In her world of influence, this seems totally possible!
And it is wonderful for children to live in their imagination, but the world is far less kind as we age.
I viewed a new wrinkle this morning and fought the urge not to panic. Age seems to be creeping up, well rather falling down as I get closer to the big 60. I remember my mother’s own angst at those wrinkles as we kept telling her how beautiful she was. And truly she was, a beautiful lady full of dignity.
Another day recently I was with a group of women and one of them, slim and tall left for a minute. And it was commented on how fortunate she was… and I found myself saying no…. we are all beautiful! And I shared with them that when I need to convince myself, I tell it to my face in the mirror. You are lovely… you are precious, you are valued…
I truly believe these words are from the Creator who made us, who delights in us,… who loves us all equally, and sees beauty in a far different fashion that we do.
Sometimes I feel we fight against the social current, but many voices do speak out. I love the ads that help women to love themselves, no matter what shape, what background, no matter what…
And so perhaps we need to create new signposts. I can often be tempted to see the negative and be affected by it. It has become important to speak things that are true and right and good, and to tell them to myself, as well as to speak them to others in my sphere of influence.
There is a lovely movement in our city right now where people are placing rocks with lovely messages, and randomly people find them. How fun! I’ve been painting on rocks for a while now, and enjoy putting them out on my front porch. Some are silly, but many have a message. They are signposts and reminders to me.
Recently we repainted our bathroom cupboards and I asked my painter hubby if I could paint words on our on-suite bathroom cupboards. If I botched it no one would see, but me!
And the words etched on those cupboards have spoken to me, again and again, as I leave the house. “Be Strong and Courageous – The Lord is with you Always!!” I drink in those words, and the truth of them, and they give me hope and courage for the day.
What signs have you created to feed your soul? I’d love to see them. Or perhaps you’ll be inspired to hunt for rocks and create messages on them. The possibilities, the encouragements are endless!
